Xbox reveals their Adaptive Controller for gamers with disabilities

Microsoft enables gamers with movement impairments

Xbox reveals their Adaptive Controller for gamers with disabilities

In recent history, Microsoft has been one of the greatest innovators in the gaming industry, offering consumers a range of unique options which were previously unheard of in the console space.

Today, Microsoft offers the Xbox One Elite controller with remappable controls for every game and extra input options, a game pass system which grants Xbox and PC gamers access to all of Microsoft's first-party titles of £7.99 a month, unparalleled backwards compatibility and PC releases of all Xbox first party titles through Xbox Play Anywhere.

Adding to this list of innovative products and services comes Microsoft's new Adaptive Controller, a hub which is designed specifically for gamers who are unable to use traditional gamepads. This product is designed for both Windows 10 and Xbox One, acting as a hub where standardised assistive input devices can be connected to the hub using industry standard 3.5mm audio jacks. Other input devices can also be connected to the Adaptive Controller using USB.

The main benefit of Microsoft's Adaptive Controller is that it is an easier solution to implement than what is currently available to disabled gamers, who often require bespoke/custom gamepads/control mechanisms to facilitate gameplay. The Xbox Adaptive control hub will allow existing assistive input devices to be used in conjunction with the controller, while also offering in the fly button remapping to will enable each custom control setup to suit any game.

Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that help make gaming more accessible. Connect external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to create a custom controller experience that is uniquely yours. Button, thumbstick, and trigger inputs are controlled with assistive devices (sold separately) connected through 3.5mm jacks and USB ports.

This new controller was designed in conjunction with organisations like The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Craig Hospital, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged, allowing Microsoft to create a solution which could suit as many gamers as possible.

The Adaptive Controller will cost around $99/£75 when it releases later this year, making Xbox and PC gaming a lot more accessible to players with limited mobility. Xbox plans to showcase their Adaptive Controller at E3 2018.

I'm surprised that Bethesda didn't come up with something like this so more people can play Skyrim, since it can now run on household appliances. Maybe they'll create something that will allow pets to play it.Quote

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